AWE

Xtraordinary Girls, aka XG, emerged from the post-pandemic K-pop boom as a musical entity distinct from other fourth-generation groups: Though XG is based in Seoul and was launched within the K-pop system, the hip-hop and R&B septet is composed entirely of Japanese members who rap and sing almost exclusively in English. *AWE*, XG’s second mini album, continues to blur the cultural, linguistic, and musical boundaries of the global pop scene. “What is it? K-pop or J-pop? Or they not? Or they rap?/Please know that/We give thanks to hip-hop,” Japanese artist Awich raps on the previously released cypher “WOKE UP REMIXX,” which notably does not include any of the XG members but rather a who’s who of Korean and Japanese hip-hop stars. When Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona are front and center on the eight-track album, it’s often to lean further into the wolf imagery also at the thematic core of their first world tour. “So don\'t play with us/Could be dangerous,” lead single “HOWLING” warns as it simultaneously welcomes listeners in with an “ah-woo” and a rubbery bass. “So run if you hear the sound/’Cause that\'s how we howl.”